Observing that a large segment of India's population involved in manual scavenging has remained unheard and forced to involve in bonded labour. They have found to be trapped in inhuman conditions.

In view of this, the Supreme Court has directed the Centre and States to take appropriate measures, frame policies and issue directions to ensure that manual scavenging should be completely eradicated.

The apex court has asked the Centre to issue guidelines that any sewer-cleaning work doesn't allow any individuals to enter into sewers dot any purpose whatsoever.

The Court has asked the Central and the State Government to pay Rs 30 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of those who die while cleaning sewers. The compensation amount is increased of the previous amount. In cases, where the dependents of any victim have not been paid this amount, it shall be payable to them.

It has also been instructed to look after that all the Departments, Agencies and Corporations abide by the Court's guidelines.

It said, 'The Union, States and Union Territories are directed to ensure that full rehabilitation, including employment to the next of kin, education to the wards and skill training measures are taken in respect of sewage workers.

The apex court has also announced that in the case of sewer victims suffering from any disability, minimum compensation shall not be less than Rs 10 lakh. If the disability is permanent and renders the victim economically helpless, the compensation shall not be less than Rs 20 lakh.

In case of 'contractual' scavenging work, a suitable mechanism to ensure accountability should be in place.

The Union shall devise a model contract to be used wherever contracts are to be awarded by it or it's agencies and corporations in the concerned enactment, such as the Contact Labour (Prohibition and Regulation Act), 1970 which mandates that the standards in conformity with the Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 and rules are strictly followed.

The Commissioned for the Conduct of Safety and Sanitation shall draw the outlines for a survey and appropriate model should be there to educate and train all concerned communities. The Union and State Government are required to set up scholarships for the meaningful education of those dependents where the victim has died.

Legal authorities shall also be part of the consultations towards framing the policies. It shall also be involved in coordination with the State and district legal services committees for the planning and implementation of the survey.

Adequate measures of rehabilitation shall be developed in a portal and dashboard including all the relevant information.

Manual scavenging is not only a offence but a dagger drawn on the dignity of man.

Reference:-

• business-standard.com